As a guitar player and singer/songwriter, nothing brings me more joy than to see my kids enjoying my music. But what really makes it all worth the effort is a conversation I just had with my son Owen a few minutes ago. I was in my home studio, mixing a song, and my son (he’ll be 3 at the end of July) walked in, had me pick him up, and said (in his slightly slurred two-year-old voice), “Daddy, I wanna play guitar?”
I replied, “Really? You want to play guitar?”
“Yeah, Daddy, just like you.”
Okay, I admit, I got real teary-eyed when he said that, and just held him and hugged and kissed him for his sweetness, and I thought to myself that even though I experience lots of joy recording and performing, and make a decent amount of money doing it, none of that comes close to bringing me the joy I just experienced with those simple words.
I knew he liked my music, because he sings my songs to himself all the time. More often than not, he’s sitting down in my studio while I record songs – he loves the process – and loves to be around music! But to hear him say something like that was really overwhelming for me; not only as a parent, but as a musician.
Just thought I’d share that. Any of you axe-slingers have similar experiences? I’d love to hear ’em!
Guitar Gear 
Man, that’s awesome. Mini-dawg. Schweet.
BTW, I am planning a trip to San Fran in May. We need to hook or somethin’…
IG
I have no kids, but my sister and hubby now have two grandkids. Their granddaughter, now four years old, is awed by my guitar playing. No, I’m no virtuoso! She gingerly approaches when I play acoustic at my sister’s place; then watches intently, quietly, until her attention is taken away.
I see in her the same fascination we all feel in differing degrees with music. Somehow it is ingrained in our souls, and we react instinctively. I know this from her and other very young kids I have watched react to the music when I play for them. I am amazed by the reactions they show–for I feel it too. It is powerful, and one of the best–innocent– ways of expressing oneself I have ever found.
I’ll be in SF in may with the family on vacation….Memorial weekend.
Cool! Let’s hook up! Email me and I’ll get you my contact info at: thedawg_REMOVETHISANDTHEUNDERLINES_@goofydawg.net
Sweet story.
You should look around for some fun songs for kids that you can play and the kids can sing/dance along.
My Story: my kid is 14 and played better after 2 months worth of lessons than I did after two years.
Now I buy nice guitars and make him play them for me. It is really nice to have a guitar player in the family.